So I here there's this new guy running for president...what's his name...Oh yeah, Barack Obama. The guy has become as ubiquitous as American Idol in the past year or so. Obama's rise to political stardom began of course with a humble speech at the Democratic National Convention just a few years ago and since then the guy hasn't let up. All the while Obama has been gaining popularity exponentially. This somewhat rare status as a true political superstar has left the Blue South wondering...what exactly is it that makes this guy so freakin' popular?
Certainly Obama's strong oratorical skills and natual charisma play an enormous part in his stardom, but is there any substance behind it all? Obama has taken a strong rhetorical stance against the Iraq War (a fairly popular position these days) and is, in fact, the only Senator who has introduced a De-escalation plan, per the 9-11 commissions recommendations. Obama also talks a lot about healthcare. Its hard to find much he's done on that front nationally, but the word on the street is that while a state Senator for Illinois, Obama did manage to get some healthcare reform passed. Obama speaks of his days as a communtiy organizer in inner-city Chicago, as a civil rights lawyer and law professor, all noble pursuits. But his experience in the national theater is meager and, although he speaks passionately against cynicism (he even wrote a book most audaciously titled "The Audacity of Hope"), who knows what a few years in the D.C. meatgrinder will do to a guy like that.
Not that I'm a cynic but I am skeptical. The system tends to rub off on you. Obama speaks like he's going to enter the system and enact real, sweeping change. The questions are 1) whether that's even possible and 2) whether Obama's message will comport with his actions and policies.
4 comments:
I agree with your skepticism. It is a refreshing change of pace for presidential candidates, but why does everyone feel he can do things that nobody else can. Whether black or white, he is still a politician. He will still have the same troubles other candidates face in getting their issues passed. (Except for that whole Democratic congress thing)
Legtimate questions and assessments. I once joked Democrats needed some one with less political experience than John Edwards to get excited about, and while he was hard to find, they got'em. All jokes aside, you first point was spot on that he has the following (and depth?) of American idol. He is picking up steam, but I am scared he could be like a Jack Kennedy - Vivacious, exciting, inspiring, young, exuberent AND so dang inexperienced and untested that his entire administration will be a hodged podged mess that will only end in his being well remeber historically if he befalls and untimely and major castastropy (I am speaking historically not nastalgically so any JFK lovers don't start throwing bricks at me please).
I went to hear Obama's speech yesterday and he started by insulting everyone there. He gave rimmers to all of the democrat operatives in the state in the order that they are likely to be useful in fund raising and then proceeded to say, "but most of all, I want to thank the simple, ordinary S.C. citizens."
I looked around expecting to see irritation at least and perhaps even a few angry faces in the crowd at such a belittling remark. Instead, the crowd cheered.
He then proceeded to promise us the same old pie in the sky every other Democrat promises: free healthcare, better education, a worthless undergraduate degree for everyone! (but at least he'd reduce the interest on our student loans).
Empty rhetoric plain and simple. His artful way of communicating ideas is impressive, but lets face it, if you dont have anything of substance, you'd better do a damned good job at misdirection, right?
He then proceeded to bash the war in Iraq, to which I applauded, but then sank himself by saying, "we could spend that money on healthcare, infrastructure, schools and higher teacher salaries, we could even build a broadband backbone right here in the state of S.C. so that rural communities can have high speed access."
Ahem, for all of the pitfalls associated with the funding of the Iraq war, these expenses are not and will never be permanent items in the federal budget. He speaks as if that money, since it is now being spent, will hereafter forever be on the table- available for other uses.
Predictabley, he told us basically only he can change things, but that he needs our help. He ended strong with some damned inspiring rhetoric, unfortunately, it was the exact same speech he gave in Iowa earlier in the week.
His best idea was to start, "a new Manhattan project" who's purpose would be to break our dependency on fossile fuels. In my view, this is what is required, it truely is a fresh idea which, if put into effect, could have substantial and meaningful results, not just politically, but economically, socially and environmentally. Its an outstanding idea and I hope he makes that and healthcare the basis of his campaign.
The negativity on Iraq was demoralizing, and it made all of us who supported our President (including most of Congress) feel foolish. Although I clapped when he suggested phasing out the conflict, I did so understanding that I had made a mistake of my own in supporting it initially.
Maybe he needs more time, its still early. But so far, I see no distinction between Obama and any other jerk off politician I've ever seen or heard.
T-whack: You make legitimate points about Obama's at least perceived weaknesses. However, I wouldn't go so far as to lump him in with all the other empty promises you've heard from politicians thoughout your life. While Obama's political inexperience may seem like a weakness of the one hand, it can easily be spun to distinguish him from the "empty rhetoric" types that you have juxtaposed him with.
I didn't get to go to the event, but from all accounts it was what I would have expected it to be. Strong rhetoric, delivered beautifully, but underlying questions about the efficacy of the policy ideas and the candidate's potential weaknesses due to lack of experience.
Overall, I applaud Obama's emphasis on healthcare and, should he come up with a realist and meaningful plan that won't bankrupt the government or sacrifice care standards, I'll be all for it. As for Iraq, I think its a pretty easy sell to tell the crowds that you want to bring home the troops. The trick will be finding the political capital and effective method of pulling it off.
You make a great point about the money issue and I think that one of the tragic flaws of our government has been over the years that spikes in spending tend to turn into bigger and more government over time. However, I will be difficult for Obama to spend the Iraq money on anything if the Democrats stick to their "pay-go" initiative (as I pray they will).
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